The New Braunfels Thunder varsity football team (New Braunfels, TX) will play a neutral-site playoff game against Annapolis Christian Academy (Corpus Christi, TX) today at 2:30 PM.
Midland Christian vs Grace Community Game Info:
What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: New Braunfels Thunder vs Annapolis Christian Academy
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
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Game preview: New Braunfels Thunder vs Annapolis Christian Academy
As the 2024-2025 high school football season progresses, two teams have been making waves in their respective divisions: Annapolis Christian Academy (ACA) and New Braunfels Thunder. Both teams boast impressive records, but they have also showcased distinct styles of play and differing strengths. Let’s take a closer look at their performances, statistics, and head-to-head matchups.
Annapolis Christian Academy: Perfect Through the Season
Annapolis Christian Academy enters the spotlight with a perfect 9-0 record, dominating both at home and away. Their overall performance in the district is equally flawless, with a 3-0 record. With an average of 51.1 points per game (PF), ACA’s offense is relentless, outpacing opponents with their swift and aggressive style. Their 468 total points scored this season is a testament to their high-octane offense, which has been nearly unstoppable.
Their stats are impressive across the board:
- Rushing Yards Per Game: 108.0
- Passing Yards Per Game: 83.7
- Total Yards Per Game: 191.7
- Tackles Per Game: 31.2
Leading the charge for ACA is #12 Chuck Brushe, who is a dual threat on the field with 44.3 rushing yards per game and 57.8 passing yards per game. His versatility is complemented by his total of 102.0 yards per game. Other key contributors include #40 Jake Gwaltney (21.5 receiving yards per game) and #22 Darrian Wallace (12.1 points per game).
New Braunfels Thunder: Strong Contender with a Solid Record
The New Braunfels Thunder has a respectable 9-2 overall record, with a perfect 1-0 record in district play. While they have a slightly lower win percentage (.818) than ACA, they have proven themselves as a strong force, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. With 417 points scored (39.4 points per game), the Thunder have shown their capability to put up big numbers, even if their offensive production lags behind ACA’s in consistency.
Breaking down the Thunder’s key statistics:
- Rushing Yards Per Game: 253.9
- Passing Yards Per Game: 171.2
- Total Yards Per Game: 425.1
- Tackles Per Game: 34.3
The Thunder’s top performer is #24 John Kroesche, who excels in multiple areas: 162.2 rushing yards per game and 103.4 passing yards per game. Kroesche’s all-around contributions make him a focal point for opposing defenses. Payce Taylor, another standout, has contributed 128.3 receiving yards per game and 11.0 tackles per game, while also scoring 14.0 points per game. The Thunder’s offense has a balanced attack, leaning on both the ground and aerial game.
Head-to-Head Performance
In their common matchup against Texas Christian, both ACA and New Braunfels Thunder secured dominant victories. ACA defeated Texas Christian 69-6 in September, while the Thunder won 53-8 in November. These victories further emphasize the high level of play both teams are bringing to the table.
Statistical Comparison: Offense vs. Defense
Annapolis Christian Academy excels in scoring efficiency with a powerful offense, but New Braunfels Thunder boasts a more balanced attack, especially with their ability to dominate the ground game.
- Annapolis Christian Academy has been more efficient in scoring with 51.1 points per game, but their offense is more geared toward balanced yardage with fewer passing attempts.
- New Braunfels Thunder relies more heavily on their rushing game (253.9 yards per game), showing their physicality on offense. Their passing game, while effective, averages 171.2 yards per game, relying on Kroesche’s leadership.
On defense, New Braunfels has the edge in tackles (34.3 per game), but ACA has been equally strong, with key players stepping up to make impactful plays.
Key Players to Watch
- ACA: Chuck Brushe (#12) continues to be the centerpiece of the offense, as he excels in both rushing and passing yards. His dual-threat ability keeps opponents guessing.
- Thunder: John Kroesche (#24) is the primary force on the ground, with Payce Taylor (#14) offering a dual threat both as a receiver and tackler.
Looking Ahead
As both teams push through the season, ACA will need to maintain their dominant offensive performances, while New Braunfels will aim to close the gap in scoring efficiency. With the potential for these two powerhouses to meet later in the playoffs, the matchup promises to be one for the books.
Both teams have set a high bar for the remainder of the season. Whether it’s Annapolis Christian Academy’s flawless record or New Braunfels Thunder’s ability to control the clock and dominate the run game, each team is poised for a deep playoff run in 2024-2025.
